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Ramsdens boosts profit forecast amid soaring gold prices

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Revised outlook add more than £2m to the North East chain’s expected pre-tax profits

A Ramsdens shop in the Galleries Shopping Centre, Bristol

A Ramsdens shop in the Galleries Shopping Centre, Bristol

Continued high gold prices are feeding profits at pawnbroking, jewellery and travel money chain Ramsdens.

Bosses at the Teesside-based firm have revised pre-tax profit expectations up, saying new record high gold prices in 2026 have helped boost its purchasing of precious metals business. It told investors the volume of gold bought in the new financial year, and particularly since the start of 2026, has been strong.

Ramsdens now expects pre-tax profits for the year to be more than £21m, a significant increase on the £18.6m previously expected. In 2025 the listed business posted pre-tax profits of £16.2m.

Jewellery retailing continued to perform well in stores, and online via a new website launched in recent weeks. New stores in Wakefield and Hull were also said to be trading well, with Ramsdens on track to open between eight and 12 new sites in its 2026 financial year, expanding its network of nearly 170 shops. The growth is due to support job created on Teesside, where Ramsdens expanded its head office operations in recent years.

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Investors were also told of momentum across Ramsdens’ pawnbroking operation with lending at record levels in January. Meanwhile foreign currency exchange continued in line with the first quarter with volumes flat year-on-year as customers increasingly opted for Ramsdens’ prepaid multi-currency cards.

Peter Kenyon, chief executive, said: “Ramsdens’ excellent value for money proposition continues to resonate strongly with consumers whether they’re looking for new or used jewellery, seeking the best rates for money to take abroad, looking to secure a short-term asset backed loan, or wanting to get cash for their unwanted gold. Whilst still relatively early in the financial year, as a result of the strong momentum across our business, the board now anticipates profit before tax for FY26 to be ahead of current market expectations.

“We’re making good progress in expanding our estate and are on track to open between eight and 12 new stores this year. Whilst there remain uncertainties in the wider macroeconomic backdrop, our diversified business model and strong foundations give the Board every confidence in Ramsdens’ opportunities to continue to grow and deliver for all stakeholders.”

The boosted outlook follows full year results to the end of September 2025 in which Ramsdens saw revenue grow 22% to £116.8m and an increase in operating profit from £12.4m to £17m, with pre-tax profits up 43% from £11.4m to £16.2m.

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Ramsdens said at the time that its pawnbroking loan book was worth £12.8m and that jewellery retailing – including its new and second stock and high end watches – saw profits jump 18% to £15.7m.

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Catching Robotics Better Future – Insights Success

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Catching Robotics Better Future - Insights Success

Robots have long been portrayed as advanced, man-made technological creations designed to support and enhance human capabilities. As robotics becomes increasingly globalized, it is rapidly moving toward mainstream adoption across multiple industries. Today, enterprises worldwide are implementing robotics in industrial, healthcare, and commercial applications. While robotics has experienced periods of slow adoption, it has steadily secured a strong position in the digital and industrial landscape.

When discussing robotic applications, the industrial sector stands out as a primary beneficiary. Over the years, robots have become more affordable, intelligent, and productive. Industries such as agriculture, construction, warehousing, logistics, and customer service increasingly rely on robotic systems. By investing in robotics, enterprises can solve operational problems with greater accuracy and efficiency while closing productivity gaps that human labor alone cannot fill.

As time progresses, technological advancements continue to reshape robotics. These developments act as catalysts for enterprise growth and productivity. However, before implementing robotics, organizations must evaluate certain key parameters to ensure successful adoption.

Key Parameters to Consider Before Implementing Robotics

Customization Based on User Needs

Previously, robots required extensive training and highly skilled operators, making them accessible primarily to large enterprises. Smaller businesses often lacked the resources to invest in such systems. Today, advances in robotics have lowered this barrier significantly. With intuitive interfaces, IoT connectivity, and wireless controls, robots can now be programmed through task demonstrations rather than complex coding. A wide range of robots is available to handle multitasking, allowing enterprises to select solutions tailored to their specific industrial needs.

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Easy Compatibility

Unlike traditional large-scale industrial robots, collaborative robots (cobots) are designed to work safely alongside human workers. Earlier, assigning specialized manpower to repetitive tasks was costly and inefficient. Cobots resolve this issue by assisting employees directly. Their compact design and flexible deployment make them particularly valuable for enterprises seeking efficiency without major infrastructure changes.

Simplified Development and Programming

In the past, programming robots was difficult due to incompatibility between hardware and user interfaces. Today, the Robot Operating System (ROS) has become a dominant framework in the robotics industry. As an open-source platform, ROS enables developers to program and reprogram robots efficiently across different hardware setups. This flexibility has accelerated innovation and adoption across industries.

Expanding Applications of Robotics

The 21st century is defined by rapid technological adoption across sectors. While most industries have already been disrupted by technology, robotics continues to expand rather than stagnate. In recent years, both robotic capabilities and their real-world applications have grown significantly. Below are key areas where robotics is transforming enterprises.

Supporting Enterprises Through Robotics

Cobots: Assisting Human Workers

Collaborative robots are specifically designed to work with employees rather than replace them. Their compact size, safety features, and affordability make them especially beneficial for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Unlike traditional industrial robots, which prioritize speed and scale but pose safety risks, cobots operate as service robots, reducing workplace hazards and employee strain.

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To qualify as service robots, cobots must meet strict standards related to safety, compatibility, ease of control, and processing speed. Currently, cobots are widely used for machine tending, packaging, and material handling. Beyond industrial environments, they are also deployed in agriculture, healthcare facilities, laboratories, and hospitals, often under robot-as-a-service business models.

Cloud Robotics

Cloud robotics represents a shift toward robots that rely less on local programming and more on shared intelligence. Instead of being manually programmed for each task, robots can access task-specific code and data from the cloud. Through machine learning and deep learning, robots can analyze environments, identify problems, and propose solutions in real time.

As robots share data with centralized cloud systems, knowledge gained by one robot can benefit others. Functions such as vision processing, object recognition, lifting, and navigation can be collectively improved across networks. This shared intelligence allows enterprises — both large and small — to manage complex data more efficiently while accelerating robotic learning and performance.

Hefestus Food Automation for Ground Meat Packaging

The Hefestus food automation machine streamlines ground meat packaging through precision dosing, hygienic handling, and consistent sealing. Designed for high-volume food production, it reduces labor dependency while improving speed and accuracy. Automated portion control minimizes waste and ensures compliance with food safety and quality standards.

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Conclusion

With continuous advancements, robotics is rapidly approaching new performance and intelligence thresholds. This era of robotics is unlikely to stagnate, as innovation continues to accelerate rather than plateau. Enterprises must adapt quickly to remain competitive. Robotics is no longer limited to warehouses or factory floors — it is becoming integral to everyday enterprise operations. The future points toward increasingly robot-driven industries, and the time to adopt is now.

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Form 144 PROCTER & GAMBLE Co For: 10 February

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Form 144 PROCTER & GAMBLE Co For: 10 February

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What Has Made Online Bingo Sites Successful?

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What Has Made Online Bingo Sites Successful?

The rise of online bingo is one of the most notable success stories in digital entertainment. Once rooted firmly in physical halls and community venues, bingo has transitioned seamlessly into the online world, attracting millions of players globally. This success has not happened by chance. Instead, it is the result of carefully crafted player experiences that prioritise accessibility, enjoyment, and social connection. To understand what has made online bingo sites so successful, it is essential to look beyond surface level popularity and focus on the experience they offer to players. From intuitive design to strong community features, online bingo platforms have aligned closely with what modern users value most.

One of bingo’s greatest strengths both offline and online is its simplicity. Online bingo sites have preserved this core appeal by ensuring that games remain easy to understand and quick to pick up. Clear interfaces, visual prompts, and guided onboarding help new players feel comfortable almost immediately. Many platforms even include beginner-friendly explanations on how to get started, ensuring that learning how to play bingo online feels approachable rather than intimidating. This low barrier to entry has played a major role in expanding bingo’s audience.

Accessibility has been another major driver of success. Online bingo sites allow players to join games at any time, removing the limitations of location and schedule that existed with traditional bingo halls. This flexibility fits perfectly with modern lifestyles, where people often seek entertainment in short bursts throughout the day. Whether on a laptop, tablet, or smartphone, players can access bingo games whenever it suits them, making the experience both convenient and adaptable.

The widespread use of smartphones has significantly influenced the success of online bingo. Bingo translates exceptionally well to mobile platforms due to its clear visuals, straightforward mechanics, and limited need for complex controls. Successful bingo sites invest heavily in mobile friendly design. Large numbers, responsive layouts, and touch optimised controls ensure that games are easy to follow on smaller screens. A smooth mobile experience helps retain players and encourages regular engagement.

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Bingo has always been a social game, and online platforms have embraced this aspect rather than losing it in the digital transition. Many online bingo sites feature live chat rooms where players can interact during games. This sense of community is a key factor in long term success. Players can engage in light conversation while playing, fostering a sense of community. Moderators often help maintain a welcoming atmosphere, making bingo feel less like a solitary activity and more like a shared event.

Another reason online bingo sites have thrived is the relaxed nature of the experience they provide. Unlike fast paced or strategy heavy games, bingo allows players to enjoy gameplay without intense concentration or constant decision making. Features such as automatic number marking reduce pressure further, ensuring players don’t miss out if they’re chatting or multitasking.

The introduction of themed rooms, special events, and creative visual styles keeps the experience fresh without overcomplicating it. Players can explore new variations while still relying on familiar mechanics, striking a balance between novelty and comfort.

Modern online bingo platforms pay close attention to design. Clean interfaces, bright colours, and uncluttered layouts help players focus on the game while enjoying an attractive presentation. Visual clarity is especially important in bingo, where players must track numbers and patterns. Successful sites ensure that information is easy to read and that important moments such as winning patterns are clearly highlighted.

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Online bingo sites often include features specifically designed to build player confidence. Tutorials, practice modes, and clear instructions allow users to learn at their own pace. These tools help new players feel supported rather than overwhelmed, increasing the likelihood that they will return. Confidence building features are a subtle but powerful contributor to player satisfaction and long-term engagement.

Bingo’s success online is also due to its broad appeal. The game attracts players of different ages, backgrounds, and experience levels. Online platforms have leaned into this inclusivity by offering a welcoming environment that doesn’t rely on advanced gaming knowledge. The combination of simple rules, social interaction, and flexible pacing makes bingo accessible to people who may not engage with other forms of digital gaming.

While innovation is important, online bingo sites have succeeded by maintaining consistency. Players know what to expect when they log in: familiar formats, reliable game flow, and recognisable community features. This sense of familiarity builds trust and comfort, encouraging repeat visits. Over time, bingo becomes part of a player’s routine rather than a one off activity.

The success of online bingo sites is rooted in their ability to deliver a player first experience. By combining accessibility, simplicity, social connection, and thoughtful design, these platforms have transformed a traditional game into a modern digital success. Rather than chasing complexity, online bingo sites have focused on what players value most: ease of use, a sense of community, and enjoyable, low-pressure entertainment. As technology continues to evolve, the foundations of this success strong user experience and inclusivity are likely to keep online bingo thriving well into the future.

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CDZ:CA – Don’t Bother With This High Fee, Undifferentiated ETF (TSX:CDZ:CA)

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CDZ:CA - Don't Bother With This High Fee, Undifferentiated ETF (TSX:CDZ:CA)

This article was written by

With over three years of finance and consulting experience, Nikola is laser focused on finding value in North American public equities and ETF’s. His professional experience includes corporate credit risk analysis, consulting for government entities, and venture capital analysis in the med-tech space. More recently, Nikola has helped investors narrow down better options for ETF’s – every asset manager seems to have similar offerings these days. Nikola is not a licensed financial advisor and nothing in his commentary here on Seeking Alpha should be regarded as advice. All of his opinions are his own, and not on behalf of any other entities.

Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, and no plans to initiate any such positions within the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.

Seeking Alpha’s Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.

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Newcastle student Henrietta turns A Level idea into innovative animal health tech start-up

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The mechanical engineering student has already raised thousands of pounds for the idea, and secured premises

Henrietta is said to have been entrepreneurial from an early age.

Mechanical engineering student Henrietta Newble has launched an animal health tech start-up.(Image: Newcastle University)

A young entrepreneur who is studying at Newcastle University has launched an animal health tech start-up that has raised £40,000 early stage funding.

Henrietta Newble, a 19 year-old mechanical engineering student who is originally from Cambridge, is now in the process of raising a further £80,000. Her company, AnFiTest, provides rapid diagnostics for vets and aims to prevent major nutrition-based animal diseases.

The horse and livestock-focussed start-up aims to address what it says is a lack of fast, accessible and reliable on-site diagnostics for animal health. Its portable device intends to replace slower laboratory testing and more subjective assessments by vets.

Ms Newble has been building businesses since primary school, with her ventures including a computer-aided design company and the launch of a T-shirt business when she was just 10 years-old. What began as an A-level project, AnFiTest is now ready to market.

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She said: “It was a rudimental project, but it gave me time to do initial market research, then I was told I should keep going with it.”

AnFiTest is a portable veterinary diagnostics platform.

Henrietta Newble, who has launched AnFiTest.(Image: Newcastle University)

Ms Newble’s introduction to engineering came via a scholarship and work experience placements, for which she earned awarded. Having briefly considered architecture as a career she chose mechanical engineering at Newcastle University because of its specialist masters pathway, along with the city’s wider reputation for innovation.

She attended a Newcastle University START UP Pitching workshop, where she chose to present her A Level idea. It grabbed the attention of the START UP team and from there she found mentors across the university – including chemists who helped her develop early prototypes.

Ms Newble added: “Newcastle University’s START UP team gave me the confidence and the structure to turn an idea into a real company. I’ve built networks, accessed labs, secured funding and been supported every step of the way.”

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About 12 months ago, she took part in Innovate UK’s Growth and Scale programme, raising £40,000. She has now secured premises with laboratory space and offices.

AnFiTest has also created work experience opportunities for other Newcastle University students, taking on four interns through the NCL Internships programme. The firm has now appointed a research and development director with a PhD from Oxford University.

Claire Adamson, senior manager for entrepreneurship and start-up at Newcastle University, said: “Henrietta is a fantastic example of what can happen when early curiosity is matched with the right support. From the moment she pitched her idea, it was clear she had both technical ability and the drive to build something impactful. Our role is to help students like Henrietta turn promising ideas into viable businesses, and she has embraced every opportunity.

“As a female STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) student launching an innovative product into a growth sector, Henrietta serves as an important role model to others. We’re incredibly proud to support her journey.”

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Prof Jane Robinson, Newcastle University’s pro-vice-chancellor business, partnerships and place, added: “We are proud of Henrietta’s success – she is an example of what is possible when talent, purpose and ambition come together. With the right support in a university setting, ideas grow and budding entrepreneurs can discover what they’re capable of.

“We encourage our students and graduates to take the first step and are here to support them to turn their ideas into thriving businesses. Their drive and ambition positively benefit our communities, industries and the North East economy.”

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Form 144 TRIMBLE INC. For: 10 February

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Form 144 TRIMBLE INC. For: 10 February

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Despite production challenges, Ingredion income rises

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Despite production challenges, Ingredion income rises

Clean label ingredients boost Texture & Healthful Solutions segment.

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First U.S. Cross-Country Medal in 50 Years at Milano Cortina

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Ben Ogden
Ben Ogden
Ben Ogden

Ben Ogden etched his name into United States Olympic history, capturing silver in the men’s 15 km classic individual start at the Milano Cortina Winter Games — the first medal for an American man in cross-country skiing in 50 years. The 24-year-old Vermonter’s breakthrough performance ended a half-century drought and instantly made him one of the breakout stars of these Olympics.

Here are 10 things you must know about Ben Ogden, the skier who just changed the trajectory of American cross-country forever.

  1. Small-Town Vermont Roots Born Sept. 18, 2001, in Rutland, Vermont, Ogden grew up in the tiny hamlet of Landgrove (population ~150). He learned to ski on the groomed trails behind his family home and joined the nearby Stratton Mountain School at age 12. The remote, snowy environment and tight-knit ski community shaped his early work ethic and love for classic technique — the slower, kick-and-glide style that demands precision and endurance rather than raw speed.
  2. Late Bloomer Who Defied Early Expectations Unlike many elite skiers who dominate junior nationals by age 15, Ogden was not an early phenom. He didn’t win his first U.S. national junior title until age 18 and was considered a solid but unspectacular prospect. What set him apart was consistency: he rarely missed training days, even in brutal Vermont winters, and steadily climbed through the U.S. Ski Team development pipeline.
  3. Switch from Sprint Specialist to Distance Threat Ogden initially focused on sprint racing — shorter, explosive events that reward anaerobic power. But after finishing 7th in the 15 km classic at the 2023 Oberstdorf World Championships (best U.S. result in the event since Bill Koch), coaches shifted his emphasis to distance. The decision paid off: by 2025 he was regularly finishing top-10 in World Cup 15 km and 30 km races.
  4. First U.S. Men’s Individual Cross-Country Olympic Medal Since 1976 Bill Koch’s silver in the 30 km at Innsbruck 1976 had stood alone for half a century. No American man had reached an individual cross-country podium since — until Ogden’s bronze on Feb. 11, 2026. Jessie Diggins won individual sprint gold (2018) and team sprint medals (2018 & 2022), but the men’s individual distance drought was one of the longest in any Olympic endurance sport.
  5. Training Partnership with Jessie Diggins & the Craftsbury Green Team Ogden trains primarily with the Craftsbury Green Racing Project in Vermont — a unique athlete-owned cooperative that emphasizes community, sustainability and long-term development over quick results. He frequently shares workouts and recovery sessions with Olympic champion Jessie Diggins, who has publicly called him “the most consistent skier I’ve ever trained with.”
  6. Technical Mastery & Signature Style Ogden is known for textbook classic technique: powerful kick double-pole transitions, efficient weight transfer and exceptional glide on flats. His coaches credit endless hours on rollerskis and hill repeats for his form. In the 15 km race he used classic herringbone technique flawlessly on steep climbs and maintained composure even when temperatures dropped to −14°C (7°F), conditions that caused several top skiers to struggle with grip.
  7. Injury History & Mental Resilience Ogden battled a stress fracture in his tibia during the 2022–23 season and a bout of overtraining in 2024 that forced him to miss several World Cup starts. He has spoken openly about working with a sports psychologist to manage performance anxiety and perfectionism — traits common among endurance athletes. “I used to think every bad workout meant I wasn’t good enough,” he said in a 2025 interview. “Now I trust the process.”
  8. Off-Snow Personality & Social-Media Presence Despite his reserved demeanor in interviews, Ogden is engaging on Instagram (@benogden_ski) and TikTok, where he shares training clips, Vermont farm life, and lighthearted moments with teammates. He’s known for dry humor and a love of classic rock — he frequently skis to Led Zeppelin playlists. Fans appreciate his authenticity in an era when many athletes heavily curate their image.
  9. Role in U.S. Ski Team’s Cultural Shift Ogden represents a new generation of American cross-country skiers who train full-time, live the professional lifestyle and expect podium results. He has been vocal about the need for better waxing resources, altitude camps and mental-health support — changes the U.S. Ski & Snowboard federation has gradually implemented. His medal validates that investment and inspires younger athletes in a sport long dominated by Scandinavia.
  10. Looking Ahead: Relay, 50 km & Milano Cortina Legacy Ogden is scheduled to race the men’s 4×10 km relay (Feb. 14) and the 50 km mass-start classic (Feb. 19). With his form and confidence, he gives the U.S. men a realistic shot at a relay medal — something no American team has achieved since 1976. Regardless of what happens next, his bronze already stands as the defining moment of the U.S. cross-country program’s resurgence.

Post-race, Ogden dedicated the medal to Bill Koch — the only other American man to win an individual Olympic cross-country medal — and to every coach and teammate who believed the U.S. could compete with Norway.

“I hope this shows kids in Vermont, in Minnesota, in Alaska — anywhere with snow — that you don’t have to be Norwegian or Swedish to win,” he said. “You just have to show up every day and believe it’s possible.”

For the first time in half a century, an American man stands on an Olympic cross-country podium. Ben Ogden made sure of it — and he’s just getting started.

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Timken Co stock reaches all-time high at 109.51 USD

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Timken Co stock reaches all-time high at 109.51 USD

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Kroger names new CEO

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Kroger names new CEO

Greg Foran steps into the retailer’s leadership role.

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